White Spike on Phalaenopsis: Senescence or Mealybugs?

Two Causes for Whitening Flower Spike

Flower senescence: End of bloom cycle—flowers turn white, thin, fall.
Mealybugs: White cottony insects at spike base. Test with alcohol on cotton—brown flecks confirm. Isolate, remove visible bugs, treat with systemic insecticide, repot in fresh mix.

Mealybugs spread rapidly; early control is critical.

Orchids: White Raised Spots on Ornamentals: Wax Scale Insects; Phalaenopsis Sunburn: White Bleached Spots Are Permanent; White Fuzzy Spots in Phalaenopsis Pot: Perlite, Not Pests—And Repotting Rotten Roots; Establishing New Rosa Rugosa Plants in Boston; Sudden White Pine Decline: Get Expert Diagnosis; Mysterious White Leaves on African Violets: When to Consult Experts; Grape Vine Fungus Indoors: Cool, Light, Lysol Spray; Mealybugs on Jade and Neighbors: Persistent Alcohol Spray Program; Controlling Whiteflies on Poinsettia and the Photoperiod Secret for Reblooming; Identifying White Weeds in the Lawn: Resources and Steps

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